Pakistan interim PM Abbasi faces Rs 220 billion corruption probe

Islamabad: The ruling PML-N party’s interim Prime Minister nominee Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is facing a Rs 220 billion corruption inquiry by Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau over an LNG contract, according to a media report.

Abbasi, the former minister for petroleum and natural resources, is the principal accused in a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) case registered in 2015 over the award of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import contract, Dawn News reported.

Other suspects in the case include former petroleum secretary Abid Saeed, Inter State Gas Systems (ISGS) managing director Mobin Saulut, private firm Engro’s chief executive officer Emranul Haq and the Sui Southern Gas Company’s (SSGC) ex-MD Zuhair Ahmed Siddiqui, the report said.

Mr Abbasi is expected to be elected as the new Prime Minister by Pakistan’s Parliament on Tuesday, replacing ousted premier Nawaz Sharif.

The Supreme Court on Friday disqualified 67-year-old Sharif for dishonesty and ruled that corruption cases be filed against him and his children over the Panama Papers scandal, forcing the embattled leader out of office.

Meanwhile, Mr Abbasi said on Monday said that he will continue the policies of ousted premier Nawaz Sharif.

Talking to reporters, he said the federal cabinet will also be formed soon to ensure continuity of government and democratic process. Mr Abbasi said it would be his priority to take forward government economic policies.